Music vs. HT Subs

AndyGwis

Musical subs and HT subs would seem to have different requirements. Both in the same body would probably be more costly.

Musical subs need to be fast, punchy, easily blended.

HT subs need to be big, loud, and dig low.

I like my Mirage Omni S-12 for both. I don't like any other subs I've used for music.

unc2701

Any sub that has a port or a passive radiator will have just about all the issues that you mention. However, it's hard to find sealed subs that have the response at the extreme low end that is required for HT.

So how do you get a sealed subwoofer to go low? EQ! But you lose volume- the driver can only do, say 95db at 22hz, but 107db at 44hz; you so eq everything down to 95db to keep the response flat. What then? Add more drivers! More drivers= more volume/power handling.

So you end up with a subwoofer like the Martin Logan Descent. Sealed, good for music and hits well into HT subwoofer territory.

bsoko2

HSU 3.3 Turbo does both music and HT very well.:)

mantis

It's very hard to find a really good musical sub that also does HT very well.

Rel is one company that does it right but you have to pay for it. There sub's usually go from 1000.00 and up.
Then there is Martin Logan. These cats spring out in the sub market and hit a home run. All there subs are both musical and HT ready. I'm extremely Impressed with there entire line.
Alot of higher end speaker companies really make great subs. Look at Dynaudio and B&W. Both companies are music first then HT second. But the kicker is they also do HT very well. Also like Rel , your going to pay for them. B&W does have some affordable subs that kick ****. Dynaudio are more.

In the end it's about your needs. If you want a sub to do both and do it right then your going to have to spend the money. You also got to consider your room size when picking a sub. If your sub is to small, then it will struggle and not sound right for music.

Dan

rhulett

Sona wrote: »

I just got a cheap new sub which seems like it will do the job for HT, but has all the alacrity of a drunken fly for music.

It seems to lag behind the beat.

Also, for musical bass it sounds unbalanced having only one sub.

Maybe I could adjust for these issues some.

Are there subs which do both music and HT reasonably well?

Or do you all just get different subs for music?

Can you clue me into the strengths and shortcomings of musical vs. HT subs?

Thanks,

Sona

You don't mention what sub you have, but does it have a phase control? It may be that the phase is not in tune with your speakers, and the sub is in fact lagging behind the speakers.
Rob

reeltrouble1

Ok, Sona I will bite, how did you determine where the best place to put the sub was/is? My son has one of these doing his young man in his twenties thing with the music and I do not hear the "drag" or 'buzz" you describe, not saying its my cup of tea for music ( I do not use a sub for music) but not all that stinky either. I also have some little polk sub like 50 watts or something up there in his room, I think he uses both of them now. I have way to much audio stuff, I have to give it away to my kids on permanent loan.

FWIW--The Polk Audio PSW450 is quite nice for double duty if you can find one. Also, FWIW--Polk subs are actually excellent, they just do not go into the 20hz or subsonic for HT like some folks want, I do not think a SVS sounds any better though than my stacked 450's. They go boom boom, I mean its a boom as far as HT a boom is a boom.

RT1

reeltrouble1

OK, if you move it out from the corner I suspect it will sound better, but not play as loud, also, you do not want the sub to be equadistant from the back and side walls, make sure they are different dimensions. Also, how high to you have the gain adjusted? I mean it has its clipping limits so I would guesstimate no more than 11:00 on the dial and you can trim with the receiver, you do have a SPL meter????

The best old trick if you have the wire to reach is to set the sub in your listening position and then crawl around on your knees along the walls until you decide where it sounds best then move the sub there.

I am sure your son will get a kick out of watching you do this, and of course so will the rest of us puppies but this actually is a great way to locate the sub. Now what sounds good for music does not mean it will sound good for HT..........and your off.

RT1

Deadof_knight

Ok I have the Velodyne 15 inch model it has a switch for audio or HT I just leave it at audio. How ever on boom its great but punchyness naaaahh it lacks, But I have it behind a couch so punchiness I will probably never hear anyways through a couch. But this is what I got figured like it was said above more volume = more power handling. 2 18s sealed behind the couch momma will never know the difference till she cleans up ........Doh! whered those come from honey....damn those things are reproducing in the dark !!! AACCkkk quick turn off the lights maybe there will be more of them!

Early B.

Hsu subwoofers does both HT and music very well for the price.

ViperZ

I am very happy with my NHT SubTwo. Very musical sub, and great for movies (also has HT/music switch option).

I am also very happy with my Earthquake SuperNova MKII-12, especially for movies. That thing digs so deep in the movies, it's scary.

wingnut4772

If you can get the sub in an optimal position and maybe EQ it it will work better for both applications. It will still be better for HT I suspect but improve for music if you can get a flatter response.

warlocks1

I mean no disresprect, but you bought a $140.00 sub. You get what you pay for. I am sure you can find a better location and have it sound better, but the bottom line is you get what you pay for. If you want a sub that does both music and movies well, you will have to spend a lot more money. Look for a used HSU or SVS sub. Best of luck! Jeff

tonyb

warlocks1 wrote: »

I mean no disresprect, but you bought a $140.00 sub. You get what you pay for. I am sure you can find a better location and have it sound better, but the bottom line is you get what you pay for. If you want a sub that does both music and movies well, you will have to spend a lot more money. Look for a used HSU or SVS sub. Best of luck! Jeff

Ahmen to that!!

reeltrouble1

I think Sona's sub is a match with the gear she has running with it. I will not pretend to be an expert on subs with music as it is not my personal thing but I do believe this piece fits her need at this time. I have subs like these in systems around the house, you know those systems that can only dream of being in the Shed, standing next to the exalted pieces that reside in that hallowed place.

Sona, Should you want to upgrade by all means we will be full of ideas for you to let us spend your dough.

RT1